Police and Crime Commissioner Elections
The very first Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys was elected just two weeks ago. I have to say that I’m one of many Conservatives that haven’t been wholly comfortable with this policy. However, there are two elements that I do agree with. The first is the principle of governments delivering on what they promise the electorate at election time. This was a Conservative manifesto commitment at the last two General Elections and was a policy agreed to by both governing parties and enshrined in the Coalition Agreement. It was brought before Parliament for debate and MPs backed the proposal in a vote. The second element I agree with is the core principle that underpins this whole policy, which is democratic accountability; making the police more open and accountable to the people who they serve. So the unelected police authorities have been abolished and replaced with one person, elected by the people, not to manage the police force but to reach out to communities and ensure the police implement the priorities that are most important to them. Well that’s the theory, whether that happens in practice is going to depend on the person in the role.
That’s why it’s important for me that we have the best person to represent the interests of Mid Wales. Therefore, I’m pleased that Chris Salmon has been elected for Dyfed Powys, not solely because he’s a Conservative but because having worked with him over the past few months, I have found him to be a thoroughly decent, intelligent and an independent-minded person, who will do the best for the people and communities of Mid Wales and not bow to a party line. Having been born and brought up in Powys is also a distinct advantage because he understands our area very well indeed. I look forward to working with Chris in the months and years ahead.
Human Organ Transplantation Bill
Next Tuesday – 4th December – the Welsh Government will introduce its Human Transplantation Bill to the National Assembly for its consideration. At this introductory stage, the Assembly has the opportunity to question the Government on the principles of the Bill before it moves to the various stages of legislative scrutiny.
With more than 400 Welsh patients currently on the transplant waiting list, this is an important issue that must be addressed. Organ donation is proven to save lives and I welcome initiatives to raise awareness of the need to increase the pool of potential donors. However, I do have very serious concerns about the introduction of an opt-out organ donation system.
Personally, I am yet to be convinced that legislation is required to increase organ donation rates. I believe that if the Welsh Government focused on underpinning our donation system with a strong organisational model, coupled with more trust and awareness raising programmes – as we see in Spain, the country with the highest rates of donation in the world - we would see an increase in altruistic organ donations without the need for legislation.
I do hope to have the chance to put my views across during, what will undoubtedly be, an extremely emotive debate next week.
Nadine Dorries
The panto that is Nadine Dorries has certainly not amused me these past few weeks nor has it amused her constituents of Mid Bedfordshire. She can try and rationalise her decision to take part in I’m a Celebrity as much as she wants but the fact of the matter is, she isn’t a celebrity but a serving politician being paid by the taxpayer to represent the interests of her constituents. She has increased the contemptibility gap that many in the public already have for serving politicians. We have seen MPs in the past flaunt this air of self-importance whilst chasing celebrity status and it’s been their undoing. I think Ms Dorries will ultimately go the same way.